Thursday, February 26, 2009

Eastern Bluebirds out back!

Perched on a Birch. My Birch.

On most days, the same old birds welcome me home from work. I usually give them a casual glance then move on and promise to feed them later. On Tuesday I opened the door for Chloe and Bella’s outdoor business trip and within a few seconds, had to skip back inside the house to get my camera.

There was a pre-spring bird convention of Mourning Doves, Cardinals, House Finches, Starlings, Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, House Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, White-throated Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Carolina Wrens, Downy Woodpecker, Cedar Waxwings, and a lone Red-winged Blackbird. All together at 4:15 p.m. I looked to the sky and wondered if they had heard of a humongous storm approaching. Did I miss the forecast?

I’ve shown Eastern Bluebirds on this blog a hundred times. They’re everywhere except at my house, until this week. Well, they flew by a few times and enjoyed a bath on the pond two years ago…

Can you imagine how loudly I wanted to squeal? I’ve been waiting for this for three years. Shocking.

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy.

She had an appetite.

There were a few microscopic morsels of Zick dough left in that cup and she was determined to have them!

He kept a watchful eye on her and wonderedif she’d ever push herself away from the table…

"Dang. The lady can EAT!"

She hopes refills are free.

I don’t know how long I can continue to guard Zick dough and peanuts after I fill the feeders and cups. Starlings and House Sparrows fly in to jab, fight, and squawk before I turn my back. I have great pleasure in seeing Starlings soar towards the suet and make an abrupt U-turn at first sight of me. My awful “aaaack!” voice scares the poop out of them while all other birds continue to go about their business like I wasn’t even there.

I’m very impressed with the sweet Bluebirds. The commotion and fighting doesn’t move them. They both watch the angry mob close by, stand firm, and wait their turn at a morsel - if there is one left…Gee, I hope they stay.

Mary, I have a (not very pretty) Bluebird nestbox in my garage that I made last summer which I'd be glad to donate to the cause of keeping those little beauties near your yard. If you want it, you know how to get in touch with me.

Mary, these are awesome photos! I *love* the pics of the Bluebird perched next to the wooden bird - classic! I'm so glad that you got a nice Bluebird treat! We see them around in the fields, but not often at our feeders.

Hurray for you!! I'm so happy for you!! Anyone who has had a blue bird visit their backyard knows how excited you must have felt...I flew all around the house at my first sighting yelling for everyone to come and see these bright bursts of blue! Oh I do hope they stay around your yard...they are a ray of bright sunshine! Just love your thoughts that you chose to go with the pics..of boy bird waiting for his lady!! Your post put a big smile on my face!!!

Oh Mary, that's so cool! You need to get them one of those special enclosed bluebird feeders. They look like a regular hopper feeder, but the sides are enclosed (either with plexiglas or dowel rods) and there are entrance holes (like for the bluebird's nest box) on each end of the feeder. Your WBU store should have them for sure--we used to sell bunches of them for people feeding mealworms to bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens (it will keep your mockers and starlings away from the bluebirds treats).

Kinda funny though, I currently live in MD with two BTs, a Yorkie and a parrot and a koi pond.

My bluebirds began about two weeks ago hanging around the bluebird houses. I feed them mealworms - it's very cute, I fill the tray near their houses, clap my hands and there they are. As soon as I'm a little bit of distance from the tray, they come down and eat. It's adorable - I LOVE their chortling sweet sounds!

You mean there's hope? I once saw a bluebird in my backyard - about 3 years ago. Went out and bought a bluebird birdhouse. Never saw one again.Well, maybe the waiting period is 3 years! Maybe this is the year!!

I do hope they stay at your house, Mary...but could you send a couple to my house? They were here in the fall for the first time, checking out our houses.I was as excited as you.My hubby felt my forehead and asked if I was OK.

Congrats on your Bluebird visit. Now that they know where the great food is maybe they will keep returning to your garden for more. Your photos are awesome, Mary! I think I may have a slight case of camera-envy. ;-) Well done!

Mary, that is so thrilling to have bluebirds visit your yard. Eastern bluebirds I'll never get, but maybe some day I hope to see a few western bluebirds. But first I would have to provide the right kind of food and the right kind of flora. Someday...

What To My Wondering EYES!I told my husband it was time to take our 3 year Bluebird house down to know avail....This morning I couldn't believe it! A Bluebird was sitting on top of our bird house!!!!!! HOOORRRAAAYYY! Mommy is in the house. Dad is perched on top! I've taken picture after picture. What to name them?Oh Happy Day!